Laura Schnieber's worry was eased Monday when the West Fargo City Commission reconsidered her application for a 24-hour home day care.
"(I'm) past relieved," Schnieber said.
Commissioners, who previously denied her application 3-2, unanimously approved Schnieber's request for a conditional use permit to run a home day care.
Schnieber will be allowed to care for up to 12 children in her home. The city will review her permit in six months.
"I think we've come up with a very fair compromise," said Commissioner Mark Simmons, who brought the application back before the commission.
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West Fargo requires home day care operators to apply for a conditional use permit to serve more than seven children. The permit is separate from licenses issued through Cass County Social Services.
Schnieber originally applied for a conditional use permit to care for up to 18 children in her home, which commissioners denied after hearing opposition from neighbors and questioning whether she followed the proper application procedure. It's the only instance Mayor Rich Mattern can recall a day care permit being denied.
Schnieber said she thought she had proper licensing to operate the day care while her application was pending. She applied for a conditional use permit when she moved from Fargo on short notice at the end of April.
Neighbor Dave Clemens told commissioners on Monday that he was surprised the issue was back on the agenda. He thought it was settled when the permit application was denied last month.
Bob Taylor, another neighbor, said even if it's legal to reconsider the application, he still doesn't think it's right.
"This put a bad taste in my mouth, the way it's been handled," Taylor said.
Al Hogenson, whose wife operates a day care for up to 12 children a few houses west of Schnieber, said that while some mistakes were made in the application process, he is OK with the compromise.
"I'm actually quite happy," he said.
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He asked commissioners to review the application process for day care conditional use permits.
So did West Fargo resident Karla Forde, who told commissioners she wants to move but is having trouble finding a builder who will sell to her because she would need to re-apply for a conditional use permit for her day care.
Schnieber said she doesn't blame commissioners for denying her application the first time.
"You guys just went about it the right way and were cautious about it," Schnieber said.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Andrea Domaskin at (701) 241-5556
